Heineken Cup: Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw targets Heineken glory

Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw is ready for the challenge presented by the Heineken Cup.

Last Updated: 30/09/13 10:18pm

Chris Robshaw: Ready for Heineken Cup test

Quins begin their campaign against Scarlets on 12 October and England skipper Robshaw is keen to get up and running.

"It's a very special trophy and that's why all players want to play in these sorts of competitions, because as a player you want to test yourself against the best out there," he told Sky Sports News.

"Our group with Scarlets, Clermont and Racing, there's some very challenging games in that and our first challenge is to get out of the group, but you move on game-by-game and you can gain momentum from that."

Scarlets captain Jonathan Davies is also keen to impress, starting with the opener at the Twickenham Stoop.

"Every group is tough but we have to make sure when we prepare during the week, we look forward to the whole occasion," he said.

"The Heineken Cup is one of the best club competitions we can be involved in and it's important to make sure we deliver good performances."

As for whether Davies and other key Wales players may leave the country to enjoy the bounty on offer in France's Top 14 and the Aviva Premiership, he remained hopeful a deal could be struck to keep them on home soil.

"It's up to the individual and the decision must suit them. Hopefully the unions and regions and can come together to keep the boys in Wales," he added.

"In the coming months there will be some very tough decisions (to be made) but hopefully things can be resolved."

Ospreys skipper Alun Wyn Jones is cautiously optimistic as they look to win a tournament has so far eluded them.

The RaboDirect PRO12 side have been drawn in Pool 1 with Castres, Leinster and Northampton and Jones feels their pack will be key to any success.

"It's something we have been trying to do for a long time now," he said.

"We have always had a pretty decent pack but there have been times we have been found guilty of not turning up and at times we have been outplayed.

"I am very excited by the young backs that have come on in the last 18 months and if we can provide a platform, then we have a decent formula to do well."